Docking method for establishing secure wireless connection between computer devices using a docket port

ABSTRACT

A docking method for establishing secure wireless connection between computer devices is presented. The technique assumes that at least one of the computer devices comprises a portable device. Further, a docking area or docking port is associated with the other computer device. The docking port is sized to at least partially engageably receive the portable device. Means are provided for automatically establishing wireless connection between the portable device and the second device when the portable device is brought within the docking port (or docking area) of the second device. This automatic establishing of wireless connection includes communicating an address identifier between the portable device and the second device once the portable device is &#34;docked.&#34; If desired, an encryption key can also be exchanged with the address identifier to allow for encryption of information communicated between the devices. After docking, the first device can be removed from the docking area (or docking port) without affecting the wireless connection between the first device and the second device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application comprises a continuation-in-part of prior filed pendingU.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/296,219 filed Aug. 25, 1994,entitled "Data Mouse," which is hereby incorporated herein in itsentirety.

This application is being filed on the same day as related applications,Ser. Nos. 08/808,819, 08/840,683, and 08/848,665.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates in general to wireless data communicationbetween different computer devices, and in particular, to a dockingsystem and method for automatically establishing secure wirelessconnection between a portable computing device and another intelligentdevice.

BACKGROUND ART

In the existing art, there are a variety of devices and networks to movedata from one data processing system (e.g., a first personal computersystem) to another data processing system (e.g., a second personalcomputer system). These techniques include diskettes (e.g., magnetic andoptical), local area hardwired networks, various wireless transmissionnetworks, and semiconductor memory cards.

Of particular relevance to the present invention is the use of awireless methodology for transferring data from a portable data storagedevice to a data processing system. For example, in theabove-incorporated U.S. patent application entitled "Data Mouse," aportable, hand-held device for transferring data to and from a dataprocessing system via a graphical user interface is presented. Awireless communication link provides two-way communication between thecomputer and the hand-held data storage unit. The computer's graphicaluser interface is expanded to provide an icon representing a processthat transfers data to or from the hand-held data storage unit inresponse to a pointer position controlled by the hand-held data storageunit. Data compression and/or encryption may be executed by the computerin response to another icon, or a pop-up menu, controlled by thehand-held unit prior to data transfer and storage in the unit.

A potential problem with use of such wireless communication methodologyoccurs where the data mouse is employed in relatively close proximity toa plurality of intelligent devices, any one of which the mouse maycommunicate with via wireless modality. In such an environment, there isa possibility for unauthorized interception of interdevice informationbeing transmitted, as well as transfer of data information to anunintended device. Thus, in an environment with a dense assemblage ofdevices, any one of which can communicate with the data mouse or otherportable device within range of the wireless communications modality, amethod is needed to specify which intelligent device is to communicatewith which portable device and conversely, which portable device is toreceive requests and/or information issued by a member of the assemblageof devices.

Inter-device security and communications selectivity in configurationsof devices which are wired together has been solved many times in theart. In addition, a variety of similar methods exist for a multiplicityof devices in a wireless static configuration. Typically, in such anenvironment a user must explicitly specify the device address (for aLocal Area Network (LAN), the device address is fixed and implicit inthe firmware of the LAN card). Communications in a wired configurationof computers is reasonably secure from casual interception and easilyrouted. In a wireless configuration of devices, specific deviceaddresses must be assigned. Depending on whether there is a need forsecurity, the information carried on the wireless medium may beencrypted. The user must explicitly enter the encryption key into eachdevice. This requirement of entering the encryption key information andthe communications address is user unfriendly and time consuming; andrequires increased expense for an entry method, such as buttons,switches, etc., which increases the cost of the portable device.

Thus, there exists a need in the art for a technique which is userfriendly and inexpensive to implement for readily establishing awireless data connection between a portable device and a selected one ofa plurality of intelligent devices.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Briefly summarized, the invention comprises in one aspect a dockingsystem for establishing secure wireless connection between a firstdevice and a second device, the first device comprising a portabledevice. The docking system includes a first wireless communication meanscomprising part of the first device and a second wireless communicationmeans comprising part of the second device. Together, the first andsecond wireless communication means provide for wireless communicationbetween the first device and the second device. The docking systemfurther comprises means for automatically establishing secure wirelessconnection between the first device and the second device when the firstdevice is brought within a predefined docking area of the second device.This means for automatically establishing secure wireless connectionbetween the first device and second device includes means forautomatically exchanging an address identifier between the first andsecond devices when the first device is brought within with thepredefined docking area of the second device. With the exchange of theaddress identifier, the portable device can be removed from the dockingarea without terminating the wireless connection between the firstdevice and the second device.

In another aspect, the invention comprises a docking system forestablishing wireless connection between a first device and a seconddevice, the first device again comprising a portable device. In thissystem, a docking port is associated with the second device. The dockingport, which is sized to at least partially engageably receive the firstdevice, is in communication with the second device. A firstcommunication means comprises part of the first device and a secondcommunication means comprises part of the second device. Thesecommunication means provide for wireless communication between the firstdevice and the second device. A means for automatically establishingwireless connection between the first device and the second device isalso provided which includes means for automatically communicating anaddress identifier between the first device and the second device whenthe first device is brought within the docking port. After removal ofthe first device from the docking port, the first and second devicesmaintain the wireless connection using the address identifier forcommunication of information therebetween.

In a further aspect, a method for establishing wireless connectionbetween a first device and a second device is provided. Again, at leastthe first device comprises a portable device. The second device isfurther assumed to have a docking area defined in association therewith.The method includes: docking the first device within the docking area;and automatically establishing wireless connection between the firstdevice and the second device in response to docking of the first devicewithin the docking area. This automatic establishing of wirelessconnection includes automatically communicating an address identifierbetween the first device and the second device when the first device isdocked within the docking area. After removal of the first device fromthe docking area, the first device and the second device maintain theirwireless connection using the communicated address identifier for thecommunication of information therebetween.

To restate, presented herein is a docking system and method forautomatically establishing secure wireless communication between aportable device and a selected intelligent device of a plurality ofintelligent devices. A significant goal of the approach presented isease of use. Specifically, this invention allows establishment ofwireless data communications between devices in a manner that is userfriendly and inexpensive to implement. An address identifier, andpossibly an encryption key, is automatically exchanged between aportable device and a selected intelligent device upon docking of theportable device at a predefined docking area associated with theselected intelligent device. Through the use of limited range wirelesscommunications, this information can be exchanged without also revealingthe information to other intelligent devices not in sufficiently closeproximity. In maximally secure situations, docking can be via atemporary wired connection for the exchange of the identifier addressand encryption key.

The docking approach presented can be applied to various portabledevices, including a data mouse and personal digital assistants. Again,the disclosed solution to establishing wireless connection largelyrelieves the user of any key entry requirements, as well as relievingthe user of a need to assign addresses. In addition, by suitably settingup the possible address configurations, the probability of errantcommunications between a portable device and the plurality ofintelligent devices in proximity thereto can be rendered negligible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The subject matter which is regarded as the present invention isparticularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concludingportion of the specification. The invention, however, both as toorganization and methods of practice, together with further objects andadvantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the followingdetailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawingsin which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic of one embodiment of a portable data devicewirelessly linked to a computer system for transfer of datatherebetween;

FIG. 2 depicts an environment wherein a plurality of intelligent devicesare disposed in close proximity to each other, any one of which theportable data device of FIG. 1 may communicate with via wirelessmodality;

FIGS. 3a and 3b are a plan view and a side elevational view,respectively, of a portable data device for use in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic of one embodiment of wireless communicationcircuitry within the portable data device of FIGS. 3a and 3b;

FIGS. 5a and 5b depict a computer display having a docking port inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the portable data device of FIGS. 3a and3b docked within the docking port of FIGS. 5a and 5b;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of one embodiment for establishing communicationconnection between a portable device and another device in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of one embodiment for establishing encryption onthe communication connection between the portable data device and theintelligent device to which the portable device is docked;

FIGS. 9a and 9b are a plan and elevational view, respectively, of analternate embodiment of a portable data device for use in accordancewith the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic of an alternate docking approach for establishingcommunication connection between the portable data device and a computersystem in accordance with the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Generally stated, the present invention comprises a convenient techniquefor ensuring secure wireless communications between a portable deviceand a selected device of a plurality of intelligent devices in a densecomputing environment. The selected intelligent device could be astationary device or a mobile computing device. Also, communication doesnot necessarily need to occur in a one-to-one relationship. A centralconcept of the present invention is the idea of initially "docking" onecomputing device (for example, the portable device) with anothercomputing device to which wireless communication is desired. Duringdocking, identifying information including an address identifier and, ifdesired, an encryption key, is exchanged. Preferably, this exchangeoccurs automatically once the portable device is docked with theselected intelligent device. By use of limited range wirelesscommunications, encryption and address information can be readilyexchanged between the two devices using existing technology, withoutalso revealing this information to other devices (not in sufficientlyclose proximity).

Maximum security can be obtained by requiring that docking be viatemporary wired connection such as connector and plug, or some otherhard connection, e.g., a shielded optical connection. Note that dockingin accordance with the present invention is a temporary condition. Theportable device is only docked a sufficient time interval to allow thetransfer of identifying information between the portable device and thecomputing system so that only that computing system will recognizecommunication signals from the portable device after the device isremoved from the docking port.

With suitable design of the docking structure and communicationexchange, no additional effort on the part of the user is requiredbeyond bringing the mobile computing device to within the dockingproximity of the other mobile or stationary computing device to whichcommunication is desired. Various mechanisms can be used to accomplishthe exchange of information. For example, use of a suitable reed relayand magnetic configuration is possible so that any two devices candetect proximity to each other. Alternatively, low intensity magneticfield induction (coil-to-coil) could be employed.

In the detailed embodiments presented below, the portable device isassumed to comprise a data mouse such as described in theabove-incorporated application. However, those skilled in the art shouldrecognize that the concepts presented herein are equally applicable toother types of portable data storage or computing devices. For example,the concepts could apply to docking of a personal digital assistant(PDA), such as the Newton PDA, marketed by Apple Corporation or theSimon PDA marketed by International Business Machines Corporation.

FIG. 1 depicts a portable data storage device 10 wirelessly coupled,e.g., using low power electromagnetic waves 12, to a computer system 14.System 14 is equipped with graphical user interface software, such asthat supported by the IBM OS/2 operating system. Use of electromagneticwaves 14 allows greater freedom of placement of device 10 compared witha hardwired connection of the devices. Other wireless communicationtechniques could also be employed. For example, a wireless opticalcommunication link 13 may be used if desired.

A standard mouse configuration is shown with two "clicker" buttons 16and a mouse ball assembly (not shown). Additional buttons can besupported if necessary, as can additional controls. Computer system 14has a display screen 18 and additional hardware 20 to communicate withportable device 10. In one embodiment, hardware 18 is connected viaserial cable 19 to computer 14. Thus, hand-held device 10 is, insofar asbeing a pointing device, similar in operation to a standard serialmouse. For further structural and operational details of portable device10 and its communication with computer system 14, reference theabove-incorporated, commonly-assigned pending U.S. application Ser. No.08/296,219.

As explained briefly above, a significant advantage of the presentinvention is the ability to establish secure wireless connection betweena portable device and a selected computing system in a dense computingenvironment having a plurality of intelligent devices in close proximityto one another. FIG. 2 depicts one embodiment of such an environmentwherein multiple intelligent devices, such as computer systems 14', aredisposed in close proximity. Each computer system 14' includes dockinghardware 30 which allows in accordance with the present invention theautomatic establishment of wireless connection between portable device10 and the computer system when device 10 is brought within a predefineddocking area 32, 32'. Areas 32 and 32' are associated with dockinghardware 30 of particular systems 14' and the docketing areas 32 and 32'do not overlap. Once identifying information is exchanged, the wirelesscommunications modality of the portable device can be employed anywherewithin the dense computing environment without information beingintercepted or inadvertently exchanged with an unintended computersystem. Note that the exchange of identifying information is preferablyautomatically activated by proximity of the portable device to thecomputing system, i.e., disposition of the device within the dockingarea of the selected computer system. Thus, no explicit user actionoutside of bringing the portable device into the docking area is neededto initiate the wireless connection through the exchange of identifyinginformation. Again, any portable device, such as a track ball or otherpointing device might alternatively be used in place of the data mousediscussed herein.

FIGS. 3a and 3b depict one embodiment of a portable device 10 inaccordance with the present invention. Device 10 is assumed to comprisea data mouse such as described in the above-incorporated application.This device 10 has a built-in means for controlling the pointer on agraphical user interface equipped computing device (see FIGS. 1 and 2).Although the present invention is described herein in connection with amouse, the concepts presented are not limited to that particularportable structure. Preferably, however, at least one of the devices tobe wirelessly connected comprises a portable device, which willfacilitate "docking" of the devices.

Device 10 contains standard mouse components such as a mouse ball 40 andmouse buttons 16. Not shown in these figures are hardware/softwarecomponents to implement the data mouse concepts of the incorporatedapplication. For further information on such structure and softwarereference the incorporated application. In support of the dockingconcept, an infrared (IR) communications means 41 and supportingelectronics 46 are added to wireless mouse 10. These components arediscussed further below in connection with FIG. 4. Additionally, thereis an optical means such as a light emitting diode 48 to visually signalwhen docking is successfully accomplished. Other means of indicatingsuccessful docking might include tactile sensation means, such as avibration device 50 and/or an aural indication means, for example, apiezoelectric speaker 52.

As shown in FIG. 4, electronics 46 includes an infrared (IR) lightemitting diode (LED) driver 60, an IR LED receiver 62 and wirelesscommunication support circuitry 64. Support circuitry 64 incorporatesthe lowest hardware level of protocol for the communications. Oneexample would be a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART)for each LED driver or receiver. Note that in some cases, this circuitryis, or can be incorporated into the embedded controller of the datamouse, PDA, or other portable computing devise. Optionally includedwithin circuitry 64 is a unique identifier 66 similar in function to theUID of a token ring local area network (LAN) card. Specifically, eachportable device 10 has a different identifier 66 coded therein. Forpurposes of integration, note that the actual device identifier mayexist in code 68 available to supporting electronics 46 via a two-wayconnection 70. The UID is a universal identifier number which may beunique for each mouse manufactured. However, this is not a requirementsince the ID can be assigned by the computing element to which theportable device is docked. If assigned by the computing element, thereis a small but finite chance in a dense configuration that more than oneportable device would have the same identifier, in which case aredocketing would be necessitated. With encryption, even a simple formof encryption, the chances of casual interception of data would benegligible. Also shown in FIG. 4 is IR communication means 41 disposedat one end of portable device 10.

Another embodiment of the docking concept of the present invention isdepicted in FIGS. 5a, 5b and 6. FIG. 5a shows a computer system 14"having a display means 80 with a display screen 81. Computer system 14"might comprise one system of multiple computer systems in a densecomputing environment as described above. Clearly, however, the presentinvention can also be used apart from a dense computing environment toinitiate wireless connection between any two devices equipped withcorresponding wireless communication means. In accordance with theinvention, display means 80 includes a docking port 83, which is shownin greater detail in FIGS. 5b and 6. In this embodiment, docking port 83comprises a U-shaped structure sized to engageably accommodate thedevice 10 at least partially therein. Computer screen icon 82 might beemployed to show the current status of docking, i.e., whether there iscurrently a portable device docked and/or active for communicating withthe computer system. Further information shown by icon 82 could compriseinformation described in the above-incorporated application Ser. No.08/296,219.

Icon 82 could also provide additional security during the dockingprocess. For example, a simple key could be required from the user inorder to upload information from the mouse; or a key can be provided tothe mouse to further secure information transferred to the mouse asdescribed in the above-incorporated application. Extended icon 82information might include time of docking and mouse ID in order that asecurity trail be available.

An advantage of having docking port 83 physically attached to displaymeans 80 is that the display means is typically associated with a singlecomputing device, i.e., the device to which communication is desired. Ifthis is not true, then the docking port could be attached to thecomputing device itself, or to any other place which may be convenientand which would indicate to a user an association between the dockingport and a desired computing element. In this regard, reference thediscussion below regarding FIG. 10.

As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 6, contained within docking port83 is an IR communication means 90 which communicates with IRcommunication means 41 of the portable device when the portable deviceis physically engaged within docking port 83. For example, the opticalpaths match and/or the receptor frequencies are compatible forcommunication between the portable device and the computer systemthrough the communication means of the docking port. The docking port isassumed to be in communication with computer system 14".

Compared with the handheld data storage device described in theabove-incorporated application, a portable device 10 in accordance withthis invention would have several additional characteristics. Softwaremight be included to encrypt the serial data stream to the computersystem and to decrypt the serial data stream from the computer system.Technically, decryption software is not required provided the encryptionkey is downloaded during docking of the portable device to the computersystem to receive the data carried by the portable device. That is, theportable device can keep the encrypted data in encrypted form and allowthe target computer system to which the data is uploaded to decrypt thedata. However, if a mobile computing device is used rather than aportable data mouse, the mobile computing device may require decryptionof data in order to make use of that data. An encryption method appliedfor enhancing security of the wireless communications modality isintended only to thwart casual monitoring. Thus, a simple fast methodsuch as XOR'ing the data stream with the passed encryption key isacceptable.

Preferably, the data mouse or other mobile computing device providesuser feedback that docking is successful via an aural indication, avisual indication, a tactile indication, any combination thereof, or anyother modality which impinges on the consciousness of the user. Theprotocol used for both exchange of information during docking and duringother times requiring communications would preferably be the same.

One skilled in the art will understand that the computer system wouldcontain the following elements in addition to those elements requiredfor support of the handheld data storage unit described in theabove-incorporated application. First, docking hardware suitable tointerface to the portable device hardware or other mobile computingdevice making use of the docking port. Suitable software and/orfirmware, to support the docking function, i.e., encryption/decryption(if done in software/firmware) and exchange of keys and deviceaddresses. Also, preferably some sort of visual "target" indication fora user to assist in locating the docking port. Obviously, this dependsupon the position of the docking port and the configuration employed,i.e., whether a predefined docking area defined in close proximity tothe computing system is employed or a physical docking port structuredesigned to engageably receive at least a portion of the portable deviceis used.

FIG. 7 depicts one embodiment of a system connection flowchart inaccordance with the present invention. Connection processing begins withreceipt of a wake up signal from a portable device (100) brought withinthe docking area or port. Processing then determines whether an infraredsignal is detected (102) and if yes, then whether an appropriateidentification header is received on that signal (104). Processing holdsfor a predefined time interval (106) waiting for receipt of the header.If this information is not received within that interval, then a useracknowledgement (108) is provided to signal docking failure andprocessing returns to polling for receipt of an infrared signal (102).As an option, a time out decision block (not shown) could be added toplace the docking circuitry into sleep mode (122) if no infrared signalis received within a predetermined time interval.

Once the header is received, the computer system attempts to establishcommunication by initiating a handshake (110), and then determineswhether the handshake is OK (112). Again, the computer system isinstructed to wait a predefined time interval (114) and if the handshakeis not established as valid within that interval, then the systemsignals docking failure to the user (108). Once handshake isestablished, then identification information is exchanged to establishthe connection (116). This information might include a device number forthe transmit unit header, an encryption key, if desired, and frequencyor other information for wireless communications, for example, a skipalgorithm, i.e., information on frequency hopping or spread spectrumuse. Once the identification information is exchanged, the user issignaled that the docking connection is accepted (118) and the portabledevice is acknowledged as activated for wireless communication with thecomputer system (120). The portable device is removed from the dockingarea or port and the docking circuitry goes into a sleep mode (122)until receipt of a next wake up signal (100).

FIG. 8 depicts one embodiment for encryption key exchange with dockingof the portable device. Initially, a dock signal process start (126) isreceived. A process start is often referred to in the art as a spawnthread. Spawning a thread is one way a process starts in certainsystems, such as IBM's OS/2 operating system. Process start is followedby inquiry into whether the portable device is set up to require anencryption key (128). If yes, the encryption key is obtained, e.g. fromthe user, (130) and the key is transferred to the portable device (132).In a preferred environment, the key obtained from the user (130) israndomly generated for each docking. By generating the key, the computersystem increases ease of use of the system. Note that the generate keysresulting in transmission of plain text would be excluded, plain textcomprising text that is not encrypted. Processing then determineswhether the key exchange is valid (134). This process is repeated apredetermined number of times, for example, three times (136) or until avalid key exchange is obtained. If no key is required, then processingjumps from inquiring whether a set up key is required (128) to settingthe parameters to use the docked portable device as a pointer control tothe computer system (138). Thereafter, the computer system existsdocking processing. In this embodiment, after three unsuccessfulattempts to exchange encryption keys (136), the user is signalled toredock the portable device to reinitiate the docking procedure (140).Processing is then terminated (141) pending redocking.

FIGS. 9a and 9b depict an alternate embodiment of portable device 10'wherein an electromagnetic coil 200 is employed, for example, for radiowave communication with a computer system. The components of portabledevice 10' are the same or analogous to those discussed above inconnection with device 10 of FIGS. 3a and 3b. Briefly explained, device10' includes toroidal coil 200 for electromagnetic coupling, mousebuttons 202, electronic circuitry 204 supporting the docking function,reed relay 206 (contact portion), a mouse ball 208, and a light emittingdiode 210 visible to a user of portable device 10'.

FIG. 10 depicts an alternate docking embodiment wherein the portabledevice 10' is physically engaged within a docking port 220 separate froman associated computer system 222. Docking port 210 is electricallycoupled via docking hardware 224 to computer system 222. If desired,docking hardware 224 can be integrated within the computer system 222.One of ordinary skill in the art can implement docking hardware 224based upon the concepts presented herein.

In this embodiment, docking is accomplished by bringing mouse 10' inclose proximity to docking port 220 so that magnet 212 at the dockingport closes reed relay 206. The closure of relay 206 activates dockingelectronics 204 to commence communications using magnetic coupling viatoroidal coil 200 in data mouse 10' and toroidal coil 214 at dockingport 220. A mechanical stop 216 aids the user in aligning the data mousewith the coil and magnet of the docking port.

Note that although this embodiment only depicts a light emitting diode210 for indicating docking status, the other methods described abovecould also be employed. Fundamentally, the docking operation is similarto that described above in connection with the optical couplingembodiment. In this alternate embodiment, however, the means ofdetecting a connection, i.e., the reed relay, and the means ofcommunicating, i.e., magnetic coupling of coils, are different. However,the balance of the logical connection of the data mouse to the computersystem is the same. This alternate embodiment has the advantage ofpotentially consuming less power and having greater tolerance formisalignment.

To restate, presented herein is a docking system and method forautomatically establishing secure wireless communication between aportable device and a selected intelligent device of a plurality ofintelligent devices. A significant goal of the approach presented isease of use. Specifically, this invention allows establishment ofwireless data communications between devices in a manner that is userfriendly and inexpensive to implement. An address identifier, andpossibly an encryption key, is automatically exchanged between aportable device and a selected intelligent device upon docking of theportable device at a predefined docking area associated with theselected intelligent device. Through the use of limited range wirelesscommunications, this information can be exchanged without also revealingthe information to other intelligent devices not in sufficiently closeproximity. In maximally secure situations, docking can be via atemporary wired connection for the exchange of the identifier addressand encryption key.

The docking approach presented can be applied to various portabledevices, including a data mouse and personal digital assistants. Again,the disclosed solution to establishing wireless connection largelyrelieves the user of any key entry requirements, as well as relievingthe user of a need to assign addresses. In addition, by suitably settingup the possible address configurations, the probability of errantcommunications between a portable device and the plurality ofintelligent devices in proximity thereto can be rendered negligible.

Although specific embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoingdetailed description, it will be understood that the invention is notlimited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is capableof numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. The following claims areintended to encompass all such modifications.

We claim:
 1. A method for establishing wireless data communicationshaving a computer docking system comprising the steps of:providing afirst portable device having a first communications means; providing asecond communication component having a docking port, said docking portbeing able to at least partially engageably receive said first device;docking said first device within said docking port; and automaticallyestablishing wireless connection between said first device and saidsecond component in response to said docking step while said dockingport and said device are partially engaged; and maintaining saidwireless connection for communication of information after said firstdevice is removed.
 2. The docking method of claim 1 further comprisingproviding means for communicating an address identifier between saidfirst device and said second component once said first device is engagedwithin said docking port, wherein after removal of said first devicefrom said docking port, said first device and said second componentmaintain said wireless connection for communication of information therebetween using said exchanged address identifier.
 3. The docking methodof claim 2, wherein said second component comprises a computer systemand said means for automatically exchanging said address identifierincludes means for automatically initiating said address identifierexchange when said portable device physically engages said docking port.4. The docking method of claim 3, wherein said docking system is acomponent of a display means of said computer system.
 5. The dockingmethod of claim 4, wherein said docking port comprises a U-shaped portdisposed adjacent to a display means of said computer system.
 6. Thedocking method of claim 1, further comprising the step of signalling auser once secure wireless connection has been established between thefirst device and the second component.
 7. The docking method of claim 1,further comprising the step of providing a first encryption meansassociated with said first device and a second encryption meansassociated with said second component, said first and second encryptionmeans allowing for encryption of information to be transferred betweensaid first device and said second component over secure wirelessconnection, and wherein said system further comprises means forexchanging an encryption key between said first device and said secondcomponent when said first device is brought within any predefineddocking area of said second component.
 8. The docking method of claim 1,wherein said second component comprises a computer system, and furthercomprising the step of physically coupling said docking port to saidcomputer system.
 9. The docking method of claim 8, wherein said dockingport comprises a U-shaped structure physically disposed on a displaymeans of said computer system, and wherein said first device comprises adata mouse.
 10. The docking method of claim 1, wherein said firstcommunication means and said second communication means each compriseelectromagnetic communication means.
 11. The docking method of claim 1,wherein said first communication means and said second communicationmeans each comprise infrared communication means.